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LETTERS: University of Northwestern students write in

On harassment

I am writing in response to the article titled “Roseville rep. calls for sexual harassment work group” published April 10 and 11.

I believe that sexual assault and harassment have been issues for far too long.

It concerns me that a recent survey from Minnesota Public Radio stated that 81 percent of women and 43 percent of men have experienced some form of sexual harassment during their lifetime. It is also alarming that less than 30 percent will report the incident.

That is why I am supporting Roseville Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn as she is moving forward at the Capitol to address this issue. The silence has gone on for too many years.

Mikayla Hildebrandt, Roseville

On victims’ rights

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the article published April 3 and 4 titled “Tip on sex abuse guilty plea leads to conversation about victims’ rights.”

We can all agree that nobody deserves to be a victim of sexual abuse. Victims of sexual abuse often don’t speak up because they are afraid of the repercussions. According to Rainn.org statistics, out of 100 sexual abuse cases, only 34 victims report it. In the case of rape, out of 100 perpetrators, 94 go free.

That is why I support continuing the conversation for sexual assault victims. More education on the topic will lead to victims finding support.

Kassandra Swiontek, Roseville

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the article that sparked the conversation about victim’s privacy rights.

Like most people, I believe victims of sexual abuse should not have to face shame and embarrassment after they are free from the crime. Victims deserve privacy and control over the information regarding them.

The number of how many sexual abuse cases that go unreported by victims is alarming. The U.S Bureau of Justice Statistics believes only 35 percent of sexual abuse cases are reported. One reason they go unreported is fear of the public finding out about it via the media. This is a disturbing reason to allow sexual abuse to continue.

It is crucial to ensure victims privacy for reporting the abuse so that sexual abuse can be stopped.

Emma Erickson, Roseville

On racism

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the article published on April 3 and 4 titled “Accusation of racism comes out of RAHS girls basketball banquet.”

Like most people, I believe that the racism that occurred with respect to the Roseville Area High School girls basketball team was inappropriate. It is unacceptable for high school athletes to ridicule and embarrass a fellow team member because of the color of her skin. It concerns me that the parents and coaches of the white players were not only laughing at the subjection but were also encouraging the embarrassment and humiliation of a young teen.

That is why I support the thorough and effective investigation in the Roseville Area School District regarding racism and bullying. A disciplinary suspension should be devised for the team and the individuals involved to avoid future accusations of racism on the team.